What does it take for finance teams to support international growth? In this episode of the Global Workforce Podcast, Caleigh is joined by Caitlin Browner (Xero) and Katherine Kellett (Omnipresent) to explore the financial side of global expansion. From tax compliance and entity structures to multi-currency banking and hiring finance talent across borders, this conversation breaks down the real-world challenges finance leaders face—and how to overcome them. Whether you're scaling into new markets or managing a distributed team, this episode offers practical insights for keeping the books balanced as your business crosses borders.

Expanding internationally holds hidden risks, particularly in compliance, employee benefits and operating models. In this episode, Mike Kelly, senior partner and risk advisor at The Baldwin Group, discusses the challenges companies face when hiring abroad and how EOR services can be best utilised to mitigate potential risks. He highlights the importance of understanding local labour laws, pension obligations and why global policies may not always be the best choice.

Key Takeaways:

(02:26) The US approach to benefits differs vastly from the rest of the world.

(03:55) Equity in benefits does not mean offering the same plan in every country.

(05:34) Many companies underestimate the complexity of international pensions.

(08:31) Global policies are easy but can be expensive and non-compliant.

(11:31) Most companies expand internationally without an operating model.

(15:32) EORs provide compliance support but can still expose companies to risk.

(19:03) Employers are still liable for compliance failures, even when using an EOR.

(28:44) Remote work is now a fundamental employee benefit, not just a perk.

(34:19) A thoughtful global expansion strategy is key to long-term success.

Resources Mentioned:

Mike Kelly -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeckelly/

The Baldwin Group LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebaldwingroup/

The Baldwin Group Website -

https://baldwin.com/

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In this episode, Michele Museyri, Director of M&A and Private Equity at HSP Group, shares strategies for overcoming the challenges of international carve-outs and acquisitions. She explains common pitfalls, from failing to assess the impact of local laws on expansion to overlooking employee benefits during transitions. Michele also highlights the benefits and limitations of EOR in specific markets, reinforcing the need for thorough research and expertise.

Key Takeaways:

(02:19) M&A can be an intentional growth strategy or an unexpected global expansion.

(04:11) EOR is a valuable tool for global expansion.

(05:16) In some countries, EOR is only a temporary solution, as permanent establishment follows different regulations.

(09:22) Tight deal timelines make early planning and research critical for M&A and compliance success.

(11:11) Employee benefits are one of the most overlooked yet essential factors in M&A.

(13:23) Carve-outs often involve employee benefit changes and navigating collective agreements.

(18:00) Sellers may withhold key information, making due diligence even more challenging.

(20:48) Expecting executives to understand every country’s employment laws is unrealistic.

(24:18) Every country has its own carve-out laws, and local regulations can significantly impact operations.

(34:16) Experts in the industry in the country you are expanding to can help with early paperwork or parallel processes.

(39:00) The outlook for 2025 is optimistic, with growth expected in AI, data centres and life sciences.

Resources Mentioned:

Michele Museyri -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-museyri/

HSP Group LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hsp-group-inc/

HSP Group | Website -

https://hsp.com/

Employer of record (EOR) solutions -

https://www.omnipresent.com/products/eor

Works councils and collective bargaining agreements -

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44862125

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Carlos Escutia, Founder and CEO of GroWrk, explores how distributed teams reshape IT security, hardware management and sustainability. He explains the environmental impact of laptops and other hardware, the hidden costs of not maximising devices’ lifespans and the security threats posed by a global workforce. Carlos shares how GroWrk helps companies tackle these challenges and how its AI technology will monitor and track devices’ security, lifespan and environmental impact.

Key Takeaways:

(01:26) GroWrk was created as a response to a problem.

(06:05) Security is the biggest challenge for hybrid teams.

(07:53) Extending device lifespans saves money and reduces waste.

(13:07) IT assets are a significant source of CO2 emissions.

(15:26) Legal risks in some jurisdictions from improper device disposal.

(20:08) Simplifying global IT logistics for workforces of hundreds or thousands of people.

(27:18) Predictive maintenance optimises IT operations and reduces costs and environmental impact.

(31:10) Understanding what happens to devices and repurposing them for societal and environmental impact.

(39:23) AI predictive management of global IT provides real-time data on security, device lifespan and sustainability.

(42:20) Responsible IT practices save costs and reduce risks.

Resources Mentioned:

Carlos Escutia -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosescutia/

“How People Learn” by Nick Shackleton-Jones -

https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/how-people-learn-9781398607194

GroWrk | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/growrk/

GroWrk | Website -

https://growrk.com/

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Kshitiz Sachan, Leadership Coach at Keka HR, explores technology, leadership models and the integration of global workforces. He discusses breaking free from traditional command-based leadership models to embrace purpose-driven collaboration. Kshitiz shares how organisations can overcome silos, increase visibility and foster alignment across global teams. Using practical examples, he highlights the role of real-time feedback, structured goal-setting and leadership in building trust and driving performance.

Key Takeaways:

(01:41) The benefits of migrating from traditional leadership models to trust and purpose-driven leadership.

(02:36) Aligning workers’ goals with organisational vision fosters success.

(05:34) Performance management solves silos and inefficiencies.

(09:47) “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

(10:54) Real-time feedback strengthens organisational alignment.

(18:45) Digital tools create visibility and a unified workforce beyond borders.

(23:28) Leadership today is about developing passion in people.

(25:30) Core values are crucial to sustainable performance.

(27:50) The AI revolution will bring its own set of new jobs.

Resources Mentioned:

“Turn the Ship Around” by L. David Marquet

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Navigating the complexities and fluctuations of employment law in the UAE can be daunting for businesses entering the region. In this episode, Emily Aryeetey, Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP, introduces the unique legal frameworks and cultural dynamics shaping the UAE's employment landscape. She explains how the UAE is divided into different zones, each with its own labour laws, courts and policies. She also talks about some of the most recent shifts in labour policies. Emily provides practical advice for both employers and employees looking to work in this region.

Key Takeaways:

(03:33) The UAE has distinct employment rules for mainland and free zones, such as DIFC and ADGM.

(04:31) Visa processes are integral to recruitment and onboarding in the UAE.

(05:33) Emiratisation mandates private sector companies to hire UAE nationals.

(09:47) The UAE’s focus on free zones offers businesses operational flexibility.

(13:49) Cross-border employment creates compliance challenges with dual jurisdictions.

(19:48) End-of-service gratuity schemes differ between DIFC and mainland UAE.

(26:29) Changes to UAE labour law provide employers with more flexibility in terminations.

(35:10) Practical advice for HR professionals moving to the region.

(44:18) Partnering with local experts ensures compliance and smooth business operations.

Resources Mentioned:

Emily Aryeetey -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyaryeetey

Stephenson Harwood -

https://www.shlegal.com

DIFC -

https://www.difc.ae

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In this episode, Juan Bonilla, Partner, Attorney at Law at Cuatrecasas, explains the nuances of Spanish labour law and compliance essentials for international employers. He offers practical guidance for businesses operating or expanding in Spain regarding terminations, collective agreements and employer of record services. From severance costs to employee representation and the impact of post-termination covenants, Juan outlines critical considerations that can support a company’s smooth entry into the Spanish market.

Key Takeaways:

(02:22) Spain’s appeal for shared service centers and remote work.

(03:16) Employee cost and quality of life balance in Spain.

(07:03) Termination in Spain requires severance pay.

(10:24) The concept of discretionary bonuses in Spain.

(15:45) The advantages and disadvantages of independent contractors in Spain.

(19:21) Spanish legislation prohibits employee leasing.

(25:50) Compulsory collective agreements provide basic protections.

(33:39) South America is a key investment region for Spanish companies.

(39:21) Automatic transfer of employment when a business is acquired by another company.

(00:43:58) Importance of tracking employee locations for compliance.

Resources Mentioned:

Juan Bonilla -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-bonilla-3140507/

Cuatrecasas | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuatrecasas/

International Bar Association (IBA) -

https://www.ibanet.org/

Global Equity Organization (GEO) -

https://www.globalequity.org/

Cuatrecasas | Website -

https://www.cuatrecasas.com/es/spain/

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Michael J. Blankenship, Office Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the Capital Markets Group at Winston & Strawn LLP, discusses essential regulatory considerations and strategies for navigating international IPOs and M&A transactions. With extensive experience across the energy, healthcare and technology sectors, Michael covers the intricacies of regulatory environments in different countries, the impact of fluctuations in the tech sector and how the US elections may shape the IPO landscape.

Key Takeaways:

(04:59) Helping emerging companies reduce IPO regulatory burdens.

(06:24) Differences in regulatory standards between the US and Europe.

(08:10) Anticipated post-election increase in US transactions.

(09:51) Inverse relationship between technology and energy sectors.

(12:13) Capital-intensive needs in the healthcare sector.

(15:24) Overlooked regulatory consent pitfalls in healthcare.

(20:37) The importance of tailored diligence lists and data rooms.

(23:21) Compliance differences in IPOs versus M&A processes.

(28:46) Employee classification diligence in global transactions.

Resources Mentioned:

Michael J. Blankenship -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/

Winston & Strawn LLP | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/winston-&-strawn-llp/

Winston & Strawn -

https://www.winston.com

The JOBS Act -

https://www.sec.gov/rules-regulations/jumpstart-our-business-startups-jobs-act

LSE (London Stock Exchange) -

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/

NYSE Euronext -

https://www.euronext.com/en

SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission) -

https://www.sec.gov/

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) -

https://www.finra.org/

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) -

https://www.fda.gov/

IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) -

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act

Thanks for listening to the “Global Workforce Podcast”. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#WorkforcePodcast #GlobalExpansion #WorkforceCompliance #RemoteWork